Thursday, April 25, 2013

Comparing Buildings

Dhaka, Bangladesh—A
factory building collapsed on Wednesday morning, killing at least 123 and
injuring hundreds. People continue to search through the rubble, extracting the
injured and the dead.

In Jesus’ day, a
similar event happened. It was the tower of Siloam that fell, and eighteen
people were killed.

Let’s read the story:

There were present at that season some that told him of the
Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus
answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above
all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but,
except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom
the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above
all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye
shall all likewise perish (Luke 13:1-5).

Bad things happen.
They can affect anyone at any time.

When Jesus was on earth, for some
reason Pilate killed people from Galilee. It could have been politically motivated.
Whatever the reason, Pilate was taking it out on the Galilaeans and killing
them. Jesus used this example to say it wasn’t necessarily the Galilaeans’
fault.

Likewise, when the tower fell and
eighteen people were killed, those people weren’t any worse than anyone else.
It wasn’t their fault that they died.

The big picture in these two
stories, the big lesson is the same: the
spiritual condition is more important than the physical. Unless there is
repentance of sins, spiritual death is the result.

Consider these verses:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23).

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be
repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death (2
Corinthians 7:10).

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over
one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which
need no repentance (Luke 15:7).

Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and
a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel,
and forgiveness of sins (Acts 5:31).

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men
count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should
perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Death comes to all men.

It is important to be ready when
it comes.

Have you repented of your sins and accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior?
Have you put your faith in Him?

For some reason, all the recent events show us how short life is: the Boston bombings, the explosion in West, TX, the earthquake in China, and now the building in Bangladesh, as well as conflicts in many places. We never know when we will die or how. We need to be ready and also help others be ready--know the Lord Jesus Christ.

Great post Lou Ann! Such a great reminder that we are to live today as though we will stand before God tomorrow and give an account for our lives. We must be about HIS business for sure. It is all that is really important. Blessings!

Hi and welcome to In the Way! I explore many subjects, striving always to present them from a biblical viewpoint. Feel free to browse the tabs at the top for general categories. If you don't see what you're looking for, use the search button below. I'm a pastor's wife, mother of two, grandma, teacher, author, and blogger. I live in a quaint little village in the beautiful Basque region of northern Spain.

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Lou Ann is a young-thinking grandma with an infectious laugh. She rejoices in nature and other beautiful things--including people! She's an avid writer and practices several other artistic expressions, like singing when no one's listening, calligraphy, photography, and even "serious art." Lou Ann loves her Lord Jesus Christ, family, and her church.